Luckily, Yelp pointed me to this place when I used my app to search for a breakfast place in Kenosha. Frank's is a fantastic diner in Kenosha, really a gem. I do love the ambiance, but that may be because I love a place with history. The other diners were really friendly too; it's nice to chit chat with folks while sitting at the counter. The women (at least, when I went it was all women) on staff were friendly and super efficient. It was a well oiled machine. They work really well together--and if not, they fake it well, because even though there was a lot going on, they were fast and really worked well as a team to get orders out as quick as possible. I sat at the counter and while it is a bit tight I was really glad to be able to watch the chef work. It was kind of mesmerizing, watching her get everything lined up on the griddle, really organized, and get everything done like clockwork. I had the garbage plate at the recommendation of one of my new friends at the counter. A garbage plate is a dish of hash browns, meat, cheese, onions and green peppers, and jalapenos if you like it spicy. Suffice to say, it was pretty amazing. Once I finished my first bite I thanked my neighbor at the counter for her suggestion. Even with the jalapenos, I wanted a bit more heat, and while they didn't have Cholula sauce they had something similar that elevated the flavor of the garbage plate even a bit more. With my plate I had the cinnamon swirl toast, and that was delicious, offering a nice bit of sweetness to complement the savory garbage plate. My partner had a fairly standard breakfast of bacon and scrambled eggs, and he said it was really good--the eggs were cooked just right and he said the homemade bread was really good. All told, I'm really glad that I stumbled upon Franks, and I'm hoping to get back there in the future. It's a place I would actually drive up to Kenosha for from Chicago just for breakfast. If you have a group of five or more, make a reservation. Otherwise, if you're in the area, definitely give it a try. read more

Franks Diner - A griddle filled with step one of half and full garbage plates. - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

Love this place! While visiting in my BF's hometown, he remembered this place and that is was visited by Guy Fiery. If it's good enough for Guy... Wow...just wow! Like other yelpers, we got the garbage plate. The 1/2 order and it was insane! BF ate all of his like he was a starving refugee and while I thought I did pretty good on mine, the portion was so huge that it looked like a barely made a dent in it. Washed down with a couple of greyhounds, we hung out at the counter and chatted with the amiable owners and waitress. It's a darling place, with some hilarious things posted on the wall. This could easily become a yearly tradition when coming to visit. read more

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There's very little I can say about this place that just requires you to experience it yourself. It's quite the time! Attentive-hilarious staff, great food and drinks, and the ambience is out of the world adding so much to the over all experience. We had a garbage plate and pancakes -- out of this world and on another level than just your typical diner. Be prepared as the diner is cash only but there's an ATM available. Would love to go back and highly recommend. read more

Franks Diner - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Frank's diner and can't wait to come back. The staff was awesome. We started with a cinnamon roll to share. Probably one of the best cinnamon rolls I have had, and if you had Ann Sather's Cinnamon rolls in Chicago, you know good cinnamon rolls! We loved our garbage plates, we both got the half size. Their homemade bread was delicious. I ate about half of mine and my husband who is a 6'2" former college athlete had a hard time finishing his full plate but he did. The restaurant is tight, we opted for the first available seating so we sat at the bar which was great and we had fun laughing and talking about the old school pictures, jokes on the walls and the variety of bobble heads on display. To top it off, they served tequila shots to everyone at 11:30. I'm not sure if that is typical or special occasion but that was fun! Get there early and get your name on the list, our wait was only about 30 minutes but being downtown Kenosha and right by the lake you can get in a nice walk while you wait. read more

This place is cool! It opened in 1926! I read about it in Milwaukee Magazine several years ago in a story about best breakfast places. It's been on my to-do list ever since, but I needed another reason to make the 50 minute drive. I was hoping the wait wouldn't be long on a Monday, but since it was a holiday for some, we all went to Frank's. The front of the building looks like a store front, a small store front. After I walked in I struggled for a second as I tried to pull open a sliding door. The door was more effective after I slid it open as the sign directed. I can be taught. The next thing I knew I was standing inside an old train car, with a few modifications. I saw several people standing at the far end and I figured they were large groups waiting to be seated and perhap I could sit at one of these two open counter seats. A server politely explained that the group I saw was actually a line and I needed to wait to see what opened. Some guests that arrived after me were not as lucky. A man, whom I assume was the current owner, sternly told them not to take those seats. "I saw you eyeing them!", he said. I stood for almost an hour until I could be seated, There may have been 10 people in front of me. It didn't seem like an hour, but the clock on my phone said it was pretty close. I didn't care. I waited years for this experience, another hour or so wouldn't hurt. I was not in a hurry since I had the day off. There is a back room that seats 12-16 guests between the back kitchen and the "diner car." There is a flat top grill behind the counter, but I think the fryers are in the back kitchen. They would shout order back there for fries. There is also a room that runs next to the diner car with several booths. The counter has seating for around 20. Every seat was accounted for and at times, the line went from one wall to the other. I'm told on weekends, the line is out the door and down the block! I'd done my research on Yelp and quickly confirmed my order after looking at the menu. I was ready to go! One half order of the Garbage Plate ($7.95 with one meat) with Corned Beef Hash made from scratch ($1.50 upcharge) and house made toast (included). The man that scolded the guests who tried to "skip" was actually pleasant to me and practically all of the other guests. I think at times, the stress may have gotten to him with one or two others, and he wanted to make sure everyone was being fair and playing nice. He took my order and asked me if I wanted cheese, jalapeno's, or green peppers and onions. I said yes to the green peppers and onions and no to the other items. I also selected home made toast, using their house made rustic bread. An english muffin and wheat bread were among the other options. I want to say my breakfast arrived 15-20 minutes later, which wasn't bad considering how busy it was. The Garbage Plate is described as eggs (3 for half order, 5 for full order which would have only been $2 more) mixed in with hash browns, green peppers and onions. My plate seems like most of the egg was on one side with the hash on the other side. I barely noticed the green peppers and onions. The corned beef was cut into different sizes and when I found a larger piece, I was able to taste it easier, and it was very good! In fact, the dish overall was very good, and the toast was excellent, the perfect combination of crispy and soft. I probably could have added some salt and pepper, but I wanted my first experience to be "as is." So my first experience at Franks Diner was a success, and I will say it was worth the drive. I've had food that tastes just as good as Franks, and maybe even better, in Milwaukee and other places, but I don't think that experience can be duplicated. It's very unique and I think it's what makes Franks Diner special. There is a lot of history in that places, and it doesn't hurt that the food is good, too. I would like to go back and try other menu items, but who knows when that will happen. I don't know if there is a such a thing as the "best time" to go. If there is, let me know. Maybe I'll use a vacation day to go back. read more

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I won't bore you with a long, detailed review. I think other yelpers have beat me to the punch. But I will tell you that after making the trek to Kenosha, WI, getting to the diner early (we got right in and found a seat w/o waiting @ 7:45 am), and after eating breakfast here, the day turned out to be the... "Best Day of My Life" sung by American Authors (...or at least one of the best days of my life...lol.) Be prepared for the following: Cash Only, sassy jokes, small tight space. But the homemade goodness they serve makes up for all of that! (Get the homemade toast. You won't regret it!) read more

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Visiting Kenosha for the first time. I remember seeing Franks on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives a long time ago so when my friend mentioned it, I knew we were gonna have to come for breakfast during my trip. He suggested we go on a Monday because during the weekend it gets packed. And after seeing the restaurant in person I could imagine! It is small but quaint, and gives a perfect homey, old school vibe. We were greeted at the door by the girls behind the counter and only had to wait about 10 min (on weekends it will be a much longer wait). We opted for a booth. I got the 1/2 garbage plate with bacon and corned beef hash with the homemade toast. We also each got a single pancake which is plenty! We both had leftovers Would definitely recommend! read more

Franks Diner - 1/2 garbage plate with bacon and corned beef hash - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

Love love this place. My family loves this place. The staff is friendly and funny. Makes you feel like you eating with your own family. The food is always filling and full of flavor. Pretty much everything on the menu is scrumptious. Only reason I didn't give all 5 stars is because it is a smaller place and parking can be difficult. You do have to get there early. It's WORTH the wait though! We always go back here and it never disappoints. Would recommend over and over. read more

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Famous for its garbage plate Breakfast omelette which will give you 2-3 meals! Yeah design it yourself and it's been on Diners, Drive ins, and Dives twice . So popular that they had to expand it to double in size. It's a train car and I prefer to sit in that area. I've been going there over 50 years myself but my father also lunched there from the motors. They have huge pancakes and fresh rolls and homemade bread with the omelette . Great service! The atmosphere is family style and friendly. Get your own second cup of coffee and fill up the other diners'. read more

Great breakfast (only meal I've had there) with a cool history and building, which is actually a street car or train car? Big portions and certainly get your moneys worth. read more

Franks Diner - Home made bread-French toast - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

I had the veggie plate with jalapeños and a side pancake it was fabulous I'm so glad that you guys are open was treated like a regular it's so refreshing to see that in this crazy world today I'm most definitely coming here again many thanks to Ashley & I didn't get the other server name but they were on point read more

Franks Diner - Garbage lid veggie awesome and a pancake you made my morning many thanks - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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This is the coolest place I've been to in a long time the food was excellent and the crew working was a bunch of fun, the Bloody Mary's were epic, plenty of vegetarian options all of which that we tried were delicious, the garbage plate was beyond awesome would recommend to anybody and everybody, best time out in a while thanks for the awesome service and killer options! Awesome setting and history as well, the menu gave me several laughs pictures attached of this lovely location, believe it was on food network as well with diners drive ins and dives, which is what brought us here in the first place, Guy did not let us down again! read more

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WOW... what an experience and what a delicious breakfast the "Garbage" plate was with leftovers for breakfast tomorrow hahahah... Our Server suggesting to have corned beef hash on the side was perfect!! Truly enjoyed talking to the owner, Julie and other staff members. What a historic place!! read more

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There isn't a better crew or better food around than Frank's!!! Just go! And you will never be disappointed with anything you order. Don't forget tequila shots at 11am every weekend! So much fun! read more

Always love going to Frank's for breakfast. Time is of the essence so either get there early! They DO NOT, take reservations or call aheads unless it is a bigger party. They will instruct you to wait in line like everyone else. Recommendations: Full Garbage plate with Three Meats. Peppers,Onions, Jalapeño, and can't forget that homade slice of bread. read more

My opinion of this place is based solely on the young lady that was unprofessional and rude had us standing outside told us 15min wait and it 25 min later still not seat people that where not even on the wait list got seated before us a total of 12 people when I ask how much longer she got very rude and was calling me a liar I take that offensively and call her rude you can take us off your list with people like that manning your entrance that horrible read more

Great food!! Fast service!! Get there early on Saturday if you want a seat!! Love the food huge portions!!

We enjoy visiting diners when we go places for vacation and visited Frank's Diner for breakfast this morning for the first time and we loved it! The corned beef hash was amazing with a combination of crumbled and chunks of corned beef, small pieces of sautéed onions and peppers. It was very tasty! My husband loved his meat and cheese omelette and he said the homemade bread was to die for!!!!! We finished with a warm homemade cinnamon roll that was delicious!! We will be back!!! read more

Food was ok, service was ok and inside the place is ok. I personally will not go back, but alot of people love it.

First off, I never ever wait in line for diner food, eggs, bacon pancakes etc., I feel like, I can make most of these items at home. So upon reading how long the lines can be, I decided to go there at 6am when it opened. I got there at 6:02 and there were already people at the counter, by 6:20am the place was full. This is a cash only venue and parking is all street parking, since, I was there early pretty easy to find a spot, a lot of the surrounding shops are closed down so street parking is not that difficult here as in other major cities. This is also a cash only place, you come in and seat yourself, if you are only one person they may force you to wait for a counter seat so people with 2 or more can sit at the tables. I ordered the chili omelette and my son ordered the bacon cheese omelette. We also ordered a half order of biscuits and gravy. The omelettes came with hash browns and toast. Having eaten biscuits and gravy all over the south these were fairly average, could get something similar at Dennys. The omelettes were good and the chili, I would eat on its own. To be honest though nothing here really blew me away, again, I may not appreciate breakfast diner food, but, I just felt like, I could get this food at any breakfast chain. For food, I would give it 3 stars prices are a little more than Denny's or IHOP, but I would say the quality is slightly better and they cook everything in front of you. I gave an extra star for the historic nature and the cool decor and surroundings. read more

Franks Diner was a spot on my Wisconsin bucket list and after this morning's breakfast, I am happy to say I will be excited for return visits. My wife and I have been wanting to come in for breakfast for a couple of years now and decided today was the day. So we hopped in our car, drove down from Milwaukee, and arrived at Franks at about 10am. It is an interesting set up, having to wait in line behind the counter as patrons sit in front of you and stuff their faces with the famous "Garbage Plate". It was an easy 35 minute wait in that cramped space due to the entertaining scene. Between the amazing looking breakfast concoctions on the grill, watching the boisterous staff interact with the patrons, and getting free tequila shots, there really isn't a dull moment. Franks definitely has something special going on. Once seated, they quickly got us a coffee and Bloody Mary. Our waiter was friendly and worked hard to keep his customers happy. I was surprised at how quickly our food came out and the taste exceeded expectations. My dish: A full Garbage Plate with 5 eggs, bacon, sausage, onions, peppers, jalapenos, American cheese, and hash browns (see photo). It was obviously huge, plenty of hot gooey cheese mixed in, seasoned perfectly so no salt or pepper was needed, and came with two slices of their homemade toast. It's crazy delicious and makes for excellent leftovers! My wife loved her scrambled eggs and corned beef hash. I'm not a big fan of corned beef hash, but I loved it too. Come check out Franks, don't worry if their is a line, just be patient. You'll be glad you did! I'm telling you, it is worth the drive from Milwaukee. Tip: You better wait until everyone yells out "cheers" before taking your complimentary tequila shot! Also...cash only. read more

Frank's Place has been at or near the top of my wish list for a long time. This morning I finally checked it off. I went with my wife and daughter. I boldly predicted to my wife: "The breakfast crowd should be down because many people will want to save room for the taste of Wisconsin (which was just a few blocks from Frank's). I was wrong...Frank's was very crowded. On to the meal: We started by splitting a tasty cinnamon roll. For the main course daughter had Cap'n Crunch French toast. It was very good. I had a half garbage plate with corned beef hash. My wife had a half a garbage plate with bacon. The potatoes for both of our garbage plates were way under cooked. We also agreed that the eggs mixed in with our plates were very dry. On the plus side - the homemade bread was excellent. Service was friendly but slow. Overall a mixed bag. read more

Franks Diner - 1/2 garbage plate with under cooked potatoes and dry eggs. The homemade bread was awesome. - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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Franks Diner is an experience. Shipped to Kenosha from New Jersey via railway, they originally set up shop in 1926 in the very same spot they stand in today. What you need to know: + The process. If you go here on a weekend morning, there will be a wait. You'll notice immediately upon entry that there's no waiting area and no hostess station. What to do? Simply line up (in order of arrival) behind the patrons sitting at the counter. Yes, it'll be a little cramped. You stand in line and they seat you by party size in order. This is true whether you're a party of four wanting a booth or a solo diner wanting a space at the counter. Everyone lines up. Everyone waits their turn. + They're a cash only joint. Don't have cash? They have an ATM available. + Their portions are huge! I ordered their half portion garbage plate. It's a mix of eggs, hash browns, peppers, onions, meat (your choice of how many, I got one--sausage), and cheese. Plus, it comes with toast. It's pure hearty deliciousness. I wasn't able to finish it (so much food! And, I got the half portion!). + The service is sassy (in a good way) and the atmosphere is fun. We sat at the bar and were able to watch the chef making the garbage plates. It was fun to watch--so much hard work! Seriously! Beyond that, their prices are super reasonable and once seated, the service is fast and friendly. It's definitely worth a stop. The food is a greasy-spoon brand of great and the history is even greater. Get to it! read more

food was absolutely delicious. we ordered the veggie garbage plate with homemade toast and silver dollar pancakes, and all of the food was fantastic. especially the toast. i cannot stress enough that the toast was amazing. the only thing that dampened the experience was that there were a few bits of ham in our garbage plate, probably pushed in from someone else's order. no big deal but disconcerting if you're a vegetarian. that said, they offered to remake it or discount it which i appreciate. it's also not the worst mistake i've ever seen as a vegetarian and was resolved easily and kindly so it's absolutely not worth losing a star over. plus, our waitress was really sweet! ambiance is great, not overwhelmingly busy or loud and there's something so fun about eating breakfast inside a train car! i've had breakfast here before today and i will absolutely come back again too. any problems i had were swiftly resolved and the food was delicious. it was enough for me and my fiance to share and feel perfectly content afterwards. read more

Franks Diner - veggie garbage plate, homemade toast, silver dollar pancakes - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

A group of four arrived just before noon on a Thursday. No tables were open, but we were in luck, seats were available at the counter. This was our first visit to Franks, so we were unsure of the protocol. There were no others waiting, so my wife and i sat, and then heard a male employee talking to himself...but directed at us. He said something about, people aren't listening to him (basically we are idiots), and are sitting down before he is able to clean the countertop. We stood back up, he starts wiping the counter and says (what i think i heard) "you wouldn't sit at a dirty table, at your house...would you). My wife (and brother in law) heard it completely different... They thought he said that they probably have a dirty house. My wife felt strongly offended...and only stayed because she knows I've been wanting to visit Franks for years. I did not want to make a scene over the issue - I chalked it up to the male staff member having a bad day...it happens to all of us. Ideally...his initial comment would have been something along the lines... Please let me wipe the counter before you sit, i want to make sure your dining experience is perfect! Okay...on to the food. Three of us ordered garbage plates...each had the corned beef. I really enjoyed it, and i think the others in my party did as well. The highlight is the buttered sourdough toast - I could eat a loaf of that - and be very happy. The rest of the staff were very friendly - We sat in front of the grill and were amazed at how efficient the two staff members were in prepping/cooking the food. And our server was wearing a Bears shirt..in Wisconsin...Go Bears! Only three stars due to the issues my wife and brother inlaw felt . I'd revisit...but know my wife will never set foot inside again. read more

Franks Diner - May not apply to every staff member - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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Wow, what a find. Worth the wait. Small space, hardest working staff I've seen on a long time. Great good. Huge portions. They make their own crusty bread. You can get order something different, but go homemade! Sit at the counter, exercise patients and kindness, read the history on the menu, watch it all be made in front of you. Hope you enjoy! read more

It's not just hype. Franks Diner is every bit as delicious as you have heard, and it is totally worth the wait in line. First timers have to try the iconic Garbage Plate - I suggest Bacon with American, Corned Beef with Swiss, or Ham with Cheddar. Homemade toast is a must. Watch for the Captain Crunch French Toast on the specials board! And don't forget to order a giant mimosa! Tip: upon arrival line up against the wall, suck in your gut, make friends with your neighbor and wait patiently. read more

Franks Diner - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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Garbage Plate........Awesome Owners, Cooks, Waitstaff, Patrons.....Awesome. Crazy. Friendly. Vibe..... Very cool Wait Time......It sucks but worth it. read more

This is a fun place to eat! The people are nice (it's a rule). Food is great! They service standard diner fare & have lunch, too. The service can be sassy, but it has a family feel to it & is attentive. Be prepared to wait in a line & pay with cash. We started with a half order of the biscuits & gravy. It was fab! The gravy was made perfectly, & we regretted not getting the full order to share. I ordered half of their garage plate-it's a specialty item, & I can understand why. It is a mix of hash browns, eggs, meat, cheese & veggies. It's delicious & wasn't greasy. Go for the homemade bread...such a treat! My BF had the bacon & cheese omelette with hash browns. It was tasty, & the hash browns were perfection. His plain, white toast looked like a bad decision compared to the toast made with homemade bread. :-) Overall, it was a great experience & worth the drive from Milwaukee. read more

Franks Diner - Half order of garage plate & homemade bread. - Diners Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

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Went there for pick up Mother's days they were busting their butts! The food was good and the momosa was a great touch to my day. Thank you franks diner we appreciate you!!! read more

Just get the "Garbage Plate." Load it up with different kinds of meats. Their best meats are link sausage to die for, house made corned beef and bacon. And... Oh yeah... don't forget to ask for the homemade toast loaded with butter. Are you kidding me? Frank's has been featured by Guy Fiery TWO TIMES on his TV show "Diners Drive-ins & Dives." Stop in for breakfast and you'll know why. read more

Great place period!! Awesome staff and wonderful service!! Drive up here from Chicago a couple of times a year . Easy drive and well worth the trip!!! read more

Don't let this one fool you. One of the best breakfasts ever! The garbage plate was to die for!! Try the cinnamon roll. Amazing!! No better way to start the day. read more

Awesome place. Great history. Wonderful and OMG plentiful food! Just stay away from Ron's Place! They suck! read more

Great atmosphere. Fun staff. Seating and food order took a bit but didn't bug me as much as the booth in front of me. Needs a little TLC. The signs and menu are funny. Really good homemade cinnamon rolls. I'll be back again read more

For a hole in the wall, if you can get in, shitty service, rude service staff but great food!!! if you can't handle it, do go in. You will leave with leftovers, unless you are returning from up north' eh and have been driving all night, then someone suggests Frank's Diner and it is like the one who never has a good idea- just won the Nobel prize of your taste buds. read more

Best breakfast place in Keno! Servers are very nice and they're usually pretty quick. Get the garbage plate (it's the BEST).

Step back in time and enjoy this little treasure. Usually there is a little bit of a wait, but well worth it. Make sure to have the homemade bread with whatever else you get! read more

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They are open for in restaurant dining. Thanks miss me some Frank's. Food never tasted as good

While spending the weekend in Racine, WI, I asked my brother in law where we could grab a heavy brunch on Sunday. He suggested Franks Diner and sold it to me once he told me it was an old rail car and was featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. We were promptly seated right upfront watching the staff grill burgers, create chopped up "garbage plates" and sweat the heat. It was a fun diner experience for sure. I ordered a cheeseburger which was exactly how I wanted it - greasy, solid Wisconsin cheddar, and the toppings I wanted included grilled onions. Accompanied by a chocolate milkshake, I was in food coma heaven. The wait was worth it and I was not surprised at the number of guests dining. The staff keeps it real with their feedback and answers which is appreciated by a diner like me who wants to quickly arrive at the best meal for my taste. Overall, a fun spot that clearly screams diner food and satiates the need for a greasy Sunday lunch. read more

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